Alex joined the Grace Staff in February of 2019 as the Director of Missional Life. He has served as a high school youth group leader since 2013. He has a Bachelors degree from Florida International University.

Alex has been married to Julie since June 24th, 2000. He has 4 children and 2 grand children. In his spare time he loves staying active by playing tennis or any other sport.

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Dale Smoes

Dale joined the Grace staff as Technology Director in 2016. Dale, an IT Professional, possesses over 35 years of varied IT (Information Technology) and AV (Audio Visual) experience and background.

Dale’s family includes his wife Jane, and four adult children.

In his spare time Dale enjoys working in his yard and garden, geo-caching, 5K speed-walking, and spending time with his family. He enjoys being available to lend a helping hand to friends and family, whether needs are technical, mechanical, or physical.

Dale’s Life Verse – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (ESV)

Rachel Bean

Rachel joined the Grace staff in 2017 as our Office Assistant.

Rachel has been married to Alec since 2017 and they live in Monticello.

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys Music (both teaching and playing), photography, traveling, whether it is camping or a 5 star hotel, she’s always ready for an adventure, and reading (preferably English authors or historical non-fiction.)

Chenoa Kuester

Chenoa joined the Grace staff since 2016 as the PromiseTown (birth – Pre-K) Director. She has a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL.

Chenoa has been married to Jason since 2006; they have 3 daughters, Hannah, Sarah, and Leah.

In her spare time, she enjoys coffee, spending time with friends and family, and is always up for a good game night!

David Porter

David joined the Grace staff in 2016 as the Awana Director and GraceKids (K-5th) Director. David has served as Awana Director since 2014, and his goal is to provide a powerful help to parents in the spiritual formation of their children.

David has been married to Cindy since 2002. They have three children, Ava, Claire, and Jack. David is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserves.

In his spare time, He enjoys being a Scout leader, is an owner of a construction company and is a leadership development consultant. He enjoys being intentional and making his life his work.

Dawn Quinley

Dawn has been a part of the Grace staff since 2007. In 2011, she took on the role of bookkeeper/accountant. Dawn, a CPA, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois State University in Normal, IL.

Dawn has lived in East Central Illinois nearly all of her life. She is married to Matt, her Champaign Centennial High School sweetheart, and keeps busy with her two daughters, Madison and Payton.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, coffee, spending time with her family and friends, and learning about running. While training for her first half marathon in 2012, Dawn learned more about what it means to run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1)! .

Brittany Von Lanken

Brittany has been a part of the Grace staff since 2012 as our Graphic Designer. Brittany holds a graphic design degree from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. Brittany has been married to Josh since 2013; they have one son, Theo.

In her spare time, Brittany enjoys traveling, all forms of art, cooking, and constantly praising God through everything by living out the words of her favorite verse Psalm 9:1-2!

Lynsi Stewart

Lynsi has been part of the Grace staff since 2011. In 2013, she took on the role of Director of Worship Arts. Lynsi has a bachelor’s degree in Worship Arts from Judson University in Elgin, IL

Lynsi has been married to Phil since 2011, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing piano or guitar and spending time with friends and family.

Alex Shriver

Alex joined the Grace staff in 2018 as our Youth Pastor. Alex has a Master’s degree from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon.

In his spare time, he enjoys running, long boarding, cheering on the Cornhuskers and convincing everyone how much he loves pugs.

Mike Case

Mike has been in Pastoral ministry since 1994. After 2 long-term pastoral positions, He joined the Grace staff in 2016 as our Family Life Pastor. Mike has a degree from Lincoln Christian College (University) in Lincoln, IL.

Mike has been married to Michelle since 1994. They have 2 daughters, Megin, and Anna.

In His spare time, Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, being outdoors, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Andrew Powell

Andrew began his pastoral ministry in 1998, after two long-term pastoral positions, He joined the Grace team in August 2012 as the Senior Pastor. Andrew has a Master’s of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological seminary.

Andrew has been married to Crystal since 1996; they have three sons, Joshua, Noah, and Simon. Andrew is also honored to serve as a Chaplain for the Champaign Police Department.

In His spare time, Andrew is likely at a sporting event watching his kids, up a tree in the woods, holding a fishing pole, and/or dreaming of being at the ocean.